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An annual charity appeal for Christmas donations has been launched.

Operation Santa, which is run by Caerphilly County Borough Council, aims to provide Christmas gifts to children in the borough most at risk of not receiving presents.

However, unlike in previous years, the appeal will be unable to accept gift donations due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Instead, the council is appealing for residents to donate vouchers and gift cards worth up to £10. Social workers who are in direct contact with the families will then use these to buy gifts.

Each year, the appeal provides gifts for more than 500 children within the borough who have been nominated by their social worker or support organisation.

Councillor Shayne Cook, council cabinet member for social care, said: “This year has been extremely difficult for everyone and because of that, it is more vital than ever to ensure that children receive a gift this Christmas.

“Operation Santa is such a worthy cause and can only be achieved through the generous donations from businesses and residents of the borough. 

“On behalf of Caerphilly County Borough Council, I would like to thank all of those who have participated in the appeal previously for your donations and continuous support and I know that Operation Santa 2020 will be just as successful as previous years.”

The appeal has also been backed by Senedd Members Hefin David (Caerphilly), Rhianon Passmore (Islwyn) and Dawn Bowden (Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney).

To donate a gift card or voucher, place it into an envelope labelled ‘Operation Santa’, stating the child’s age, gender and the value of the gift card or voucher.

The donations can be delivered to a number of collection centres set up around the borough before Monday, December 7.

The collection centres have been set up at the post box at the front of the council’s headquarters in Tredomen, as well as leisure centres in Bedwas, Cefn Fforest, Newbridge, Heolddu, Risca and Caerphilly.

To pledge a donation, email operationsanta@caerphilly.gov.uk or call 01443 866577 by Friday, December 4.

The council’s Operation Santa appeal is not to be confused with the Operation Santa 2020 appeal, which was set up by residents earlier this year with the aim of delivering a Christmas ‘goody bag’ to every child in Bedwas, Trethomas, Machen, Graig y Rhacca and Waterloo.